It’s a bank holiday here in the U.K. and for once the sun is shining, which means it’s perfect salad weather. Now I’m not going to lie, a few lettuce leaves, some slightly floppy cucumber and a sprinkling of cress does not make a salad, in fact I’m convinced I’m not a salad fan because lettuce is a bit boring (ok it’s not, but that’s for another post!). Anyway, I was browsing the internet looking for ideas and came up with this: it’s a light, fresh, tasty salad with couscous at its core, though you could use quinoa, bulgar, even basmati rice if that’s all you had in the larder (I can’t believe we’re 11 weeks into lockdown and still the shops are struggling to get key supplies!) I’ve made quite a big bowl so there’s plenty for lunch tomorrow, so I’d say this serves 4.

• 1 cup wholewheat couscous
• 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas, defrosted or blanched
• 3 medium spring onions, finely sliced
• 1/2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbs rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup flaked almonds
• A good handful of freshly chopped mint, plus extra to garnish

Method

• Cook the couscous according to packet instructions, then rinse it under cold water to stop it sticking and cool it right down. Drain it thoroughly and place it in a serving bowl. Stir in the peas and the spring onion.
• Meanwhile in a small bowl mix the olive oil, rice wine vinegar, honey, garlic salt, chilli flakes and pepper. Pour over the couscous, add the chopped mint and almonds, and stir well. Sprinkle over with the reserved chopped mint, or a couple of fresh sprigs, and serve.
• This dish can be served at an ambient temperature, making it great for barbecues and picnics, or it can be covered and chilled for a couple of hours prior to serving.

Magickal properties:

• Mint – prosperity, protection, healing
• Garlic – protection, healing, family bonding, home blessings
• Salt – purification, cleansing
• Pepper – protection, banish negativity
• Honey – sweeten life, enhance positivity

Please feel free to browse all the recipes and tips I have on here, it’s all free to use but of course there are costs involved so if you like what you see and feel able to, please consider popping something in my tip jar so I can keep on cooking and sharing, and thank you!